Better in the Shade

Released in 2022, Better in the Shade is a seven-track mini-album that marks a subtle but significant evolution in Patrick Watson's sound. Following the lush, expansive Wave (2019), this record embraces a more experimental and condensed approach. Watson heavily utilized modular synthesizers during the recording process, blending their unpredictable, liquid pulses with his traditional piano-based songwriting. This creates a 'digital-folk' hybrid that feels both ancient and futuristic. The album was inspired by the idea of 'staying in the shade' as a metaphor for finding peace away from the hyper-visibility of modern life. Critics, including those at Plattentests.de, noted its brevity but praised the high density of atmosphere, highlighting how Watson manages to pack immense emotional weight into tracks that often clock in under three minutes. It stands as a bridge between his chamber-pop roots and a new, more electronic-forward curiosity.